It doesn’t matter WHO tries to apply for CMI or Certified Mold Inspector… they’re not going to get it because they are too similar to existing “Certified Master Inspector.” The only applicant that has a chance is the MICB and they don’t need it.
Then are CMI’s using the mark improperly as initials because it infringes upon someone elses certification mark? If it is industry specific it should not matter.
It doesn’t matter WHO tries to apply for CMI or Certified Mold Inspector… they’re not going to get it because they are too similar to existing “Certified Master Inspector.” The only applicant that has a chance is the MICB and they don’t need it.
BTW, here is a little tip for anyone out there thinking about filing a trademark on some very descriptive or general term or some term that you think will probably be denied…
Filing a mark that is likely to be denied provides protection, even if denied!
It established common law rights, and… the USPTO can then never grant someone else the mark. They always look up to see if a similar application was ever filed and denied. Once denied, no one can then get it out from under you.
If you want to advertise yourself as a Certified Mold Inspector, why bother with acronyms, which only confuses the consumer.
Stand out from the crowd and use your imagination…
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Mark Twain: "The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated"
http://www.certifiedmasterinspector.org/images/CMI%20Inspector%20Seal.png
Great Looking Logo
CMI (which no one can get a Federal Trademark for except for the MICB, because it infringes on the registered Federal certification mark “Certified Master Inspector”) can only be used in the inspection industry by Certified Master Inspectors. www.certifiedmasterinspector.org
Now I am confused! Environmental Solutions Association has a CMI designation which is displayed on their certificate. MICRO Consulting has a CMI designation on their certificate. My business cards, letterheads, brocheres etc has CMI on them and has since 2005. Am I going to get sued now? Can the CMI be Certified Mold Investigator to avoid this?
Randy
You are only probably free to use it without fear of being accused of mark infringement if certified mold inspector or investigator is a registered mark (I don’t think it is). Otherwise, using the acronym of the existing Federal certification mark “Certified Master Inspector” in the same industry (inspection) would be a deceptively similar infringement.
Registration of a mark protects itself and the space around itself.
http://www.certifiedmasterinspector.org/images/CMI%20Inspector%20Seal.png
Why are we doing this?